Method of electrolysis.



H. n. NELSON.

METHOD OF ELEQTROLYSIS. APPLICATION FILED AUG-l7. I914.

Patented Aug. 10, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

H. R. NELSON.

METHOD OF ELECTROLYS|S-.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-I7. 1914.

Patented Aug. 10, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- J? gum/Mom iii/Ill 7 TIN HARRY NELSON, OF ELIZABETH,NEW JERSEY.

METHOD or ELEcTRoLYsIs.

To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, HARRY R. NELSON, a

citizen of the United, States of America, re-

siding at Elizabeth, county of Union, State of New Jersey, haveinvented, certain new and useful. Improvements in Methods ofElectrolysis, of which the following is a description. v v

This invention relates to an improved method of electrolysis ofsolutions containing sodium chlorid or other electrolytes.

More specifically myinvention has for its object the provision of simpleprocedure for the electrolysis of electrolytes, such as solutions ofsodium chlorid whereby the elec trolysis is effected under maximumefliciency, with minimum attention and longest .life of the apparatusemployed in carrying out my method. I

My method is applicable not only to solutions of sodium chlorid' andother suitable compounds of sodium, but also to the compounds of theother alkali metals 'andof the alkali earth metals, etc.

In accordance with my invention, the cathion is set free adjacent apermeable cathode and steam or other like medium is supplied to thecathion in a suitable "container inclosing an exterior side of -the'permeable cathode; the resulting reaction products comprising a liquid orsemi-liquid component such as caustlc soda and-a gaseous 'vention, thepermeable cathode is a perforatedor. reticulated cathode, bent in 'a U-shapeand disposed in a containersurrounding' the exterior sides of,tlie, permeable cathode. Provision is made forthe inflow into thecontainerof the steaIfi 'orlike medium'and an outlet for thesame,j-under certain circumstances; also an outlet-[for the "gaseousreaction product. However, otherwise'the container is made gastight, toconserve the heat of the electrolytic bath and Application filed August17,

- Specificationof Letters Patent. I Patented Aug lO, 1915,

1914; Serial No. 857,088.

L of the steam, and to preclude the presence of foreign substances, etc.The steam or other like medium is supplied to the cathion insubstantially entirely gaseous or vaporous form, and accordingly thesupplying means for the steam or like medium is provided with suitablemeans for trapping the condensed moisture or'other liquid to prevent thesame from reaching the active reaction area adjacent the cathode. Suchcondensed moisture or other liquid which" may be formed. within thecontainer is kept from the reaction area adjacent thecathode and otherprocedure is pursued to preclude the presence of condensed water orother moisture near the liberated cathion.

The steam or other medium may be supplied-to the reaction area adjacentthe oath ode by solely inlet pipes ,cOmmunicatin-g with the interior ofthe container, oroutlet plpes may also be employed in conjunction with asuitable pump or the like to effect the circulation of the steam fromthe .steam source into and through. thecontainer and then-return to thesteam source under propulsion of the pump or thelike; Steam or other.like medium-is usually supplied to 4 the interior of the containerinsuch amount as'to give-rise to a,fa-int cloud, in which case thepressure of the incoming steam or like medium is but little in excess ofatm0s- "pheric pressure; theev olved hydrogen may 1 be dischargedthrough the outlet pipes for the steam or like medium. It is desirableto provide outlets for the hydrogen on each side of the U-shaped cathodeto thereby precl-ude increase 1n pressure; within the container.

To preclude waste of the liquid or semiliquid reaction product due tosputtering caused by the.simultaneousevolution of the gaseous product, Iprefer to provide within the "container and adjacent the exterior sideof the cathode a permeable: screen of suitable mesh to readilyadmit thesteam.

therethrough and at the same time to catch the spray .of the liquid orsemi-liquid reaccollecting means, ;-T-he collecting means for the liquidor semi-liquid reaction product is preferably a' pan disposed insuitable relation'to the cathode and the-permeablescreen to catch theliquid or semi-liquid reaction 'tionproduct and direct the same'tosuitable product which pan is tilted, intermitte y into a lower pan orother suitable device from which the liquid or semirliquid reactionproduct is discharged.

Other features and objects of my invention will be more fully understoodfrom the following description and accompanying drawings, in whichFigure 1 is a side elevation, partly broken away, of one preferred formof an electrolytic cell, in which my invention may be carried out; andFig. 2 is a vertical sectional asbestos or other suitable material isshown as a sheet curved into a U-shape hung from said oppositelydisposed angle plates 3, 4;

, shaped and supported by the cathode'member 6 of perforated'orreticulated iron or other suitable electrically conducting material isalso shown as U riveting or the like from the positioning angle plates3, 4. The diaphragm 5 is held in the desired position relative to thecentrally disposed anode member 7 by the sides" 8, 8, of the domechlorin chamber 9, .of slate or other non-. conducting material. Theanode member 7 is illustrated as comprising anodes carried by the upperwalllO of the chlorin chamber 9. The diaphragm 5 is preferably securedto the respective angle plates 3, 4, by a lute of Portland or othersuitable cement.

vThe positive side of the circuit is connected to the bus bar 11connecting the several anodes of anode member'7. The negative side ofthe circuit is led to the cathode member 6 through the bus bars 12, 12.

The upper ends of the opposite lateral portions of the casing 1 are madegas-tight 'y the cover members 13, 13, andthe oppositely disposedinlet'pipes 14, 15, are provided for the supply of steam or othersuitable medium from a suitable source thereof.

The flow of the steam or other medium is conof the cathode membertrolled by the valves 16. On the outer side 6jare arranged theoppositely disposed screens '17, 18, held in the angle plates 19, 19,and supported by the strips 20.

At the bottom of the cell proper 2 are provided the two strips 21 ofcurved asestos or like material and properly positioned to catch theWhen the precipitated matter has accumulated, the strips 21 may be takenout of the cell after the anode member 7 has been removed to permitaccess to the strips 21.

precipitated matter.

. amount.

individual tion area adjacent the cathode.

bent at the side to form a pan-like structure.

The tilting pan 22 shown disposed below the cathode member 6 collectsthe concentrated caustic soda; the particular "tilting pan 22 is shownpivoted at opposite pivots 23 insulated from casing 1 and other parts ofthe cell; the pan 22 is operated to empty when the contents reach apredetermined The caustic soda empties from the tilting pan 22 into thestationary pan 24 from which the caustic soda is discharged through theoutlet 25.

Suitable provision is made for leading off the evolved hydrogen or othergas through the outlet pipes 26. Fig. 1 indicates an outlet pipe 26 onone side of the cell and a similar'outlet pipe may be provided on theopposite side, the outlets for the hydrogen or other gas may beincreased in number and disposed at suitable points. I

' As one method of carrying out my invention, assume that a practicallysaturated solution of sodium chlorid has been fed into the cell 2through the inlet pipe 29 and the current properly regulated for theelec-.

cloud within the interior of the casing 1,

and the current density isregulated to produce an amount of sodiumcommensurate with the amount of steam supplied to the interior sides ofthe cathode.

The condensed water .or other liquid is caught within the trap 31 tothereby preclude presence of the same within the reac- Upon 616C.trolysis, the sodium cathion encounters-the steam within theperforations or reticula of the cathode member 6, or strictly, at thepoints of intersection of the inner end of the perforations or reticulaof the cathode member 6 with the asbestos diaphragm 5, .giving rise tothe formation of caustic soda mixed more or less with sodium chlorid andthe evolution'of hydrogen. The chlorin evolved at, the anode 7 iscollected within the dome 9 and discharged throughoutlet' 28. The

main bulk of theformed caustic liquor containing caustic soda mixed moreor less with sodium chlorid, trickles down the outer side of the cathodemember 6 .into the tilting pan 22. However, the bursting of the bubblesof hydrogen within the cathode member'6 sputters the caustic liquorwhich is the same is tilted by suitable rotating means 17, 18, anddirected to empty into the fixed pan 24, from which I the caustic liquoris discharged through outlet 25. Such liquid cathode member is thenconcentrated by heating whereby the sodium chlorid content is separatedin the form of crystals. The sodium chlorid thus separated isneutralized and again put in solution for reelectrolysis.

The mesh of the permeable screens 17, 18, is chosen to freely admit thesteam therethrough, but to catch substantially all of the sputteredliquid or semi-liquid cathode product. I The screens 17, 18, serve alsoto effect uniformity inthe atmosphere of the steam supplied to thecathode reaction-area. In the event of the presence of condensed Wateror other liquid within the casing 1, as by cooling due to'contact withthe outer walls of the casing 1, such water or other moisture iscollected at points remote from the cathode reaction area, anddischarged through the outlets 30.

If it is desired to use the circulating system for the steam or othermedium, a pump or like circulating means may be connected to thesuitable outlets to return the discharged steam or like medium throughthe inlet pipes 15. i

It will be noted that the presence of the steam within the container,usually at v a temperature not less than 97 C. maintains theelectrolytic bath at the most efficient temperature of electrolysis andat the same time the steam or like medium is supplied to the cathion atthe most elficient temperature for reaction therewith and for securinghigh concentration of the liquid or semi-liquid reaction product. Itwill also be noted that the steam or like medium within the containeracts as an electrically-insulating blanket to preclude electric currentlosses. To this end, it is desirable to electrically insulate theivotsof the tilting pan 22 from the walls of the container 1 whichusually are formed of iron or like material.

It will be seen that my method is applicable to other salts andcompounds of sodium and other alkali metals, solutions of compounds ofthe alkali earth metals, etc.

Whereas I have described my method by reference to a specific procedure,relative to specific chemical compounds, it will be understood that manychanges and modifications may be made without departing from myinvention.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. The method ofelectrolyzing solutionsof salts of'the'alkali and alkali, earth metalsand like compounds, comprisi-ng subjecting the same to electrolysis,transferring the resulting cathion to a point out of contact with theelectrolyzed solution while treatin the cathion with a reacting mediumin .su stantially solely vaporized condition. 7

2. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting,

the resulting cathion to a point out of contact with the electrolyzedsolution, treating the resulting cathion with a reacting medium whileprecluding the condensation of the reacting medium within the reactionreglon and withdrawing the resulting liquid cathode product to a pointelectrically disconnected from the electrolyzed solution.

4. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis, transferring the resulting cathion to a point out ofcontact with the electrolyzed solution, treating the resulting cathionwith a vaporized reacting medium While precluding the condensation ofthe reacting medium within the reaction region and withdrawing theresulting liquid cathode product by causing the same to fall by drops toa point electrically disconnected from the cathode. v

5. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis, transferring the resulting cathion to a point out ofcontact with the electrolyzed solution, treating the resulting cathionwith a vaporized reacting medium while precluding the condensation ofthe reacting medium within the reaction region and withdrawing theresulting liquid cathode product in the form of drops and collecting thedrops of liquid cathode prod-- not at a point electrically disconnectedfrom the ca thode.

6. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by 'means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the product to a point electrically disconnected from the cathode.j

7. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the electrolyzed solution, transferring the resulting cathion tothe opposite face of the cathode While supplying a vaporized reactingmedium to substantially the entire superficial area of said oppositeface, and withdrawing the resulting liquid cathode product in the formof drops to a point electrically disconnected from the cathode.

8. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the electrolyzed solution, transferring the resulting cathion tothe opposite face of the cathode while supplying a vaporized reactingmedium to substantially the entire superficial area of said oppositeface, and withdrawing the resulting liquid cathode product by causingdrops of the liquid cathode product to fall to a point electricallydisconnected from the cathode.

9. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the electrolyzed solution, transferring the resulting cathion tothe opposite face of the cathode, supplying a vaporized reacting mediumto substantially the entire superficial area of said opposite face ofthe cathode While precluding condensation of the reacting medium withinthe reaction region and withdrawing the resulting liquid cathode productto a point electrically disconnected from the cathode.

10. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising the subjecting thesame to electrolysis, transferring the resulting cathion to a point outof contact with the electrolyzed solution while treating the cathionwith steam in substantially solely vaporized condition.-

11. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis, transferring the resulting cathion to a point out ofcontact with the electrolyzed solution while treating the cathion withsteam in substantially solely vaporized condition and withdrawing theresulting liquid cathode product to a point electrically disconnectedfrom the cathode.

12. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis, transferring the resulting cathion to a point out ofcontact with the electrolyzed solution, treating the resulting cathionwith steam while precluding the condensation of the steam within thereaction region and withdrawing the resulting liquid cathode product toa point electrically disconnected from the electrolyzed solution.

13. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the electrolyzed solution, transferring the resulting cathion tothe opposite face of the cathode, while supplying steam to substantiallythe entire superficial area of said opposite face and withdrawing theresulting liquid cathode product in the form of drops to a pointelectrically disconnected from the cathode.

14. The method of electrolyzing solutions of salts of the alkali andalkali earth metals and like compounds, comprising subjecting the sameto electrolysis by means of a cathode having only one face in contactwith the electrolyzed solution, transferring the resulting cathion tothe opposite face of the cathode, supplying steam to substantially theentire superficial area of said opposite face of the cathode whileprecluding condensation of the steam within the reaction region, andwithdrawing the resulting liquid cathode product in the form of drops toa point electrically disconnected from the cathode.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

HARRY R. NELSON.

Witnesses SAMUEL B. BROWN, WILLIAM C. SLONAKER.

